In some respects, five years at Florida State has passed like five minutes with Brandon Allen.

All except for the memories. That part is lasting. It will be forever cherished.

"It has definitely not been your ordinary journey, that is for sure," said Allen after Monday's practice in Tallahassee ahead of Friday's NCAA Tournament opener against Missouri in Nashville.

Allen, 26, played three seasons of professional baseball in the minor leagues, then entered FSU in 2014 as a walk-on player abd will get the rare opportunity to exit his collegiate basketball career in the most desired way .

The 6-foot-6 reserve forward, who has appeared in 21 games, may or may not see game action, but it's been a rewarding five years.

He's been able to be part of Florida State's basketball program, where his father, Randy Allen, also a Milton grad, was a standout forward in the mid-1980s and played 30 years ago in the NBA with the Sacramento Kings.

Brandon was able to wear his father's number, 40. Randy was able to rejoin the basketball family in a personal way again.

In an emotional senior day March 3 at FSU earlier this month, Brandon and Randy, along with his mom, Kelly, also an FSU grad and principal at Jay Elementary School, were together with family members as part of the mid-court ceremony.

His older brother, Adam, a two-time PNJ player of the year who led Milton to the state Class 4A final four in 2006 then played for the Florida Gators, joined him with his sister, Sydney, 21, and his younger brother Drew, a sophomore on the Milton basketball team.

Brandon Allen holds his encased jersey presented by FSU coach Leonard Hamilton, left, and joined by his family, father Randy, (back), his mother, Kelly, his sister Sydney and older brother Adam.(Photo: Photo by wlpearce.com/FSU Athletic Communciations)

"That was the first time all of my family had been to a game at once," Brandon Allen said. "Even my grandparents were there.

"And I think some of my own emotions distracted me that day, actually, but it was a good time."

Allen has juggled a demanding major, electrical engineering, with the demands of playing on a major college basketball team. He graduates in May and will have his choice of business career options.

But right now, he is rightfully embracing the chance to experience the NCAA Tournament as a lasting memory.

"I've been blessed," he said. "Not many people get the chance to play pro baseball and not many get the chance to play college basketball, but I was lucky enough to do both.

"And I have lot of fun life experiences from that so I am definitely thankful for everything and how it's all turned out."

Milton High boys basketball first year coach Joey Murdock has known Allen since coaching against him as Tate's head coach. This year, he took the Panthers to Florida State to see him play.

Brandon Allen goes in for a layup in a game against Georgia Tech earlier this season.(Photo: Photo courtesy of FSU Sports Information)

"I saw him as a freshman in high school, then I was at Charleston Southern (as assistant coach) when we played Florida State twice (in past five years)," Murdock said. "What are the odds of that?

"He is a special guy. He has just stayed with it. He had a tremendous amount of options coming out of high school with baseball and basketball. How many kids get to do both in their careers?"

Alen decided in early 2013 to leave professional baseball, where he was a right-handed pitcher in the San Francisco Giants organization, appearing in 32 minor league games, after being drafted in the 18th round in 2010.,

He was admitted to FSU and decided to switch gears and become a basketball player, where he was a two-sport player at Milton.

"Tallahassee has become a second home to me," he said. "This university means everything to me. I was a kid when I was playing baseball, but it's almost like (FSU) has turned me into a man in a way."

The college basketball experience at FSU has presented a contrast to his three years in professional baseball.

There is an entirely different team aspect that athletes all say is what makes high school and college so much enjoyable in some respects than a pro team.

"At the college level, we have more of a family atmosphere," he said. "It's a business in college basketball, but it is a lot less of a business compared to professional athletics. Playing-wise, you are so invested in it.

"In professional baseball, you go out there every day and you are kinda worried about yourself. It's more about, 'How am I playing.' You are trying to move up, trying to get paid.

Brandon Allen played three seasons of professional baseball in San Francisco Giants organization before enrolling at FSU and joining basketball team as walkon.(Photo: Jeremy Esbrandt
D'Vel Photo)

"At the college level it is more about the team and you are more invested in winning."

Murdock, who now coaches the youngest Allen (Drew) and took Milton to the District 1-7A Tournament championship before an overtime loss against Pensacola High, believes the fun of playing basketball again at a destination school like FSU kept Allen inspired through five years.

"When you love the game, you have to have it until you can't have it anymore,":Murdock said. "Brandon Allen loves the game of basketball. The relationships you build in this game can last forever."

There is also the special connection of father-son playing decades apart at the same school. Randy Allen helped elevate FSU under two different coaches during his career.

Brandon Allen experienced ho-hum seasons with two NIT trips his first three years, before back-to-back NCAA Tournament appearances.

"I can see that anytime a dad gets to see his son play at the same school, it is always a great experience," Allen said. "As much as he likes seeing me play, I think it makes him feel good just being back and all the Florida State people who still know him.

"He still feels important to the program and I think it has meant a lot to him."

It's the same way Allen feels about FSU coach Leonard Hamilton, who turns 70 in August and is in his 16th season with the Seminoles.

"It is is just an honor to be around him," Allen said. "He is such a good role model and for this program. I have lot of respect for him, where he came from and where he is today."